An Exploration of Extension Professionals' Evaluation Experiences in Indigenous Contexts

Authors

• Sara M. Tomis, University of ConnecticutFollow
• J.C. Bunch, University of FloridaFollow
• Amy Harder, University of ConnecticutFollow
• T. Grady Roberts, University of FloridaFollow

Volume

64

Issue

1

Abstract

Extension professionals evaluating programs that engage Indigenous youth face unique opportunities and challenges. The purpose of this study was to explore these professionals' evaluation experiences, with a focus on culturally responsive practice. We conducted a focus group comprised of professionals associated with the Federally Recognized Tribes Extension Program (FRTEP). Study findings revealed a need for enhanced support for FRTEP professionals conducting evaluations of programs for Indigenous youth audiences, as well as for more culturally responsive practice within the Cooperative Extension System.

Authors’ Contribution Statement

SMT: Study conceptualization, data collection and analysis, writing—original draft, writing—review and editing. 

JCB: Study conceptualization, writing—review and editing. 

AH: Study conceptualization, writing—review and editing. 

TGR: Study conceptualization, writing—review and editing. 

Data Availability

The datasets generated during and/or analyzed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Conflict of Interest

The authors have no relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose.

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 4.0 License.

Recommended Citation

Tomis, S., Bunch, J., Harder, A., & Roberts, T. (2026). An Exploration of Extension Professionals' Evaluation Experiences in Indigenous Contexts. Journal of Extension, 64(1), Article 17. https://doi.org/10.66752/1077-5315.5670